The focus of President Erdogan’s visit to the White House today is anticipated to be on the potential purchase of F-35 fighter jets, a matter that has long been a point of contention between Turkey and the United States. Turkey has never operated the F-35s and was removed from a shared production program in 2019 after deciding to buy S-400 air defense systems from Russia.
This issue has compounded existing tensions between the two countries, including disagreements over Turkey’s military actions in northern Syria and airspace violations over Greece, its primary rival in the Aegean region. In 2020, a U.S. defense bill included a clause prohibiting Turkey from acquiring F-35 jets unless it relinquished the Russian S-400 systems, a stipulation that continues to play a central role in the ongoing negotiations.
President Trump would require Congressional support to finalize the sale of the F-35s, but opposition remains. Recently, the bipartisan Hellenic Caucus in Congress expressed warnings against moving forward with such a deal. Nonetheless, Erdogan is hopeful that Turkey’s recent moves, such as lifting certain tariffs on U.S. imports and expressing interest in procuring Boeing aircraft, will positively influence the decision-making process in Washington.
This situation remains complex, balancing geopolitical alliances, defense strategies, and economic incentives. A favorable deal for Turkey would potentially mend and strengthen ties that have been tense for several years, although it faces significant obstacles. The outcome of President Erdogan’s visit and the negotiations could mark a notable turning point in US-Turkish relations.